THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
On a roll
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Enjoying a continuing period of success or good results.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- You have solved four difficult clues in a row—you are on a roll.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
You have solved four difficult clues in a row—you are ________.
Show the answer
On a roll — Enjoying a continuing period of success or good results.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “On a roll” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Enjoying a continuing period of success or good results.
Compare: You have solved four difficult clues in a row—you are on a roll.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression when several things are going well in succession. It suits encouraging comments about games, learning or productive work.
More examples in context
- The debate team is on a roll after winning its last three matches.
- I was on a roll with the editing and finished two sections before lunch.
Usage note
Use on a roll, with a. Roll is the spelling, not role. The phrase describes a successful period; it does not guarantee that every later attempt will succeed.
A short conversation
A: That is my third correct answer today.
B: You are on a roll!
A: I will try the next question carefully too.
One more practice question
Who is on a roll?
A. A team experiencing a series of successful results.
B. A team whose every recent attempt has failed.
Check your answer
A. A continuing run of success fits the expression.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.